Tua Tagovailoa Shines as AFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 12
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has once again proven why he’s one of the NFL's brightest stars, earning AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors for Week 12. Tua’s stellar performance in the Dolphins’ 34-15 victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday highlighted his unique abilities as a quarterback and reinforced his status as a game-changer for Miami. Tagovailoa completed 29 of 40 passes for 317 yards, throwing four touchdowns without a single interception. This marks the third time Tua has earned this weekly accolade, adding Week 12 of 2023 to his previous wins in Week Two of the 2022 season and Week One of 2023. Against the Patriots, Tua showcased his trademark poise and precision, leading Miami to its third consecutive victory and extending his personal record against New England to an impressive 7-0. The former Alabama standout continues to refine his skills, making the Dolphins’ offense one of the most dynamic in the league.
Beyond the numbers, Tua’s playing style has captivated fans and analysts alike. Operating more like a point guard than a traditional quarterback, his sleight-of-hand passes and no-look maneuvers have become a hallmark of Miami’s offense. When asked if any basketball players influenced his no-look style, Tua brushed off the notion. “No basketball player that I know inspired me to do any of that,” he said. “It’s always fun when you can manipulate the defense with your eyes because you know the spots in which guys are going to be.” Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith highlighted the blend of preparation and innate talent behind Tua’s remarkable skill set. “Some things are part of ball handling mechanics; other things he adds his flavor to,” Smith said. “It comes through repetitions of knowing where guys are at and understanding intent and purpose.”
Tua’s impact on the Dolphins cannot be overstated. During his recent four-game absence due to a concussion, the team’s offensive production dropped dramatically, averaging just 10 points per game. With Tua back under center, Miami has surged to a 30-point average, and his quick decision-making has drawn comparisons to Magic Johnson. NBC’s Jason Garrett praised Tua’s vision and efficiency. “He’s a magician. When you take this guy out of the lineup, no one can replace him. He’s playing as well as anyone in the league right now.”
With three consecutive wins, including Tua’s standout performances over the past two games, the Dolphins are firmly in the playoff hunt. In those two games, Tua has passed for 605 yards, seven touchdowns, and zero interceptions, earning a 128.5 passer rating. Despite his success, Tua remains focused on improvement. “It’s always great to win,” he said after the New England game. “But there were some things second-half wise that we knew we could have capitalized on that we didn’t ... those can be frustrating.” As the Dolphins gear up for their Thursday night showdown against Green Bay, Tua’s leadership and unique talents continue to inspire hope for a deep playoff run. With each game, Tagovailoa proves why he’s an indispensable part of Miami’s success and why he truly has “got it.”
